Though there are many different flavors of green tea, there is actually only one true type of tea. That is because all tea, whether it is black, white, oolong or green, comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. The difference comes in because of the preparation of the tea leaves and the fermentation, or oxidation, process. Green tea is not fermented, also referred to as unoxidized — it is dried out and steamed.

Though black tea is the most common type of tea prepared in many areas of the world, green tea actually has more health benefits. Because green teas are not fermented, the helpful chemicals and nutrients remain in the tea, and are passed on to you when you drink a cup. Green tea contains many antioxidants, including the powerful chemical EGCG. It has also been shown to aid in the prevention of heart disease and to lower harmful LDL cholesterol levels while raising the "good" HDL cholesterol levels. Some also use green tea to aid in weight loss, improve the appearance of the skin and to help quit smoking.

This type of tea has a distinctive flavor. It has a lighter flavor than black tea, but can be somewhat bitter or grassy. However, there are so many different types of green tea that even if you don't like one flavor, you will probably be able to find another flavor that you find more appealing. Milk and sugar are not usually added to green teas, but if you need to add them to begin drinking tea, you can slowly cut them out later to get the full health benefits. Some green teas are also mixed with fruit flavors, such as blueberry or raspberry, to make them more enjoyable.

There are other popular types of green teas exported from Japan, Korea, and China, among other places. Japanese teas are more common, and some of the more popular ones are hojicha, genmaicha and matcha teas. Dragon Well is the most popular Chinese green tea, but Chinese Gunpowder green tea is more commonly found in supermarkets.

Green tea can be found in pre-made teabags in stores, but for the best flavor, loose leaf tea should be used for brewing. If you cannot find this in a store or a market, loose tea can be ordered online. When brewing green tea, the water should not be boiling, but should be slightly cooler, and you should allow the tea to brew for generally three to five minutes. This will allow the tea leaves to steep properly without cooking them.